What is the pons?
1 Answer
Aug 6, 2014
The brain stem is composed of three major parts that include the midbrain, pons , and medulla oblongata.
The brain stem serves as a pathway for fiber tracts running to (sensory impulses) and from (motor impulses) the cerebrum and is the site where many cranial nerves arise.
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Midbrain
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Pons
a. bulging portion of brain stem; " bridge " or pathway of conduction tracts;
b. location of pneumotaxic area (breathing and breathing rhythm). Some think that generation of dreams begin here. -
Medulla (Oblongata)
Damage to the pons can cause complete failure of the respiratory system.
A number of cranial nerve nuclei are present in the pons:
- the 'chief' or 'pontine' nucleus of the trigeminal nerve sensory nucleus (V)
- the motor nucleus for the trigeminal nerve (V)
- abducens nucleus (VI)
- facial nerve nucleus (VII)
- vestibulocochlear nuclei (vestibular nuclei and cochlear nuclei) (VIII)